Pet enclosure

Abstract

A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.

1. A support frame for a pet enclosure, comprising: a floor member; a first generally U-shaped truss pivotably connected to the floor member; a second generally U-shaped truss pivotably connected to the floor member; at least one support member having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotably connected to the first truss and the second end being pivotably connected to the second truss; and a locking sleeve slidable on the at least one support member between a first position and a second position; wherein the at least one support member comprises a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being separate pieces; wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the first position the first section and the second section may be separated from one another, and when the locking sleeve occupies the second position the first section and the second section may not be separated from one another; and wherein the first truss and the second truss are pivotable toward one another from a first, generally upright posture to a second, generally folded posture, each of the first truss and the second truss maintaining its generally U-shape in the first posture and the second posture. 
     
     
       2. The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the second position the locking sleeve overlies at least a portion of the first section and the second section. 
     
     
       3. The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the locking sleeve includes a first through-hole and a second through-hole. 
     
     
       4. The support frame of  claim 3 , further comprising a push-button mechanism associated with the locking sleeve. 
     
     
       5. The support frame of  claim 4 , wherein the push-button mechanism cooperates with the first through-hole and the second through-hole to releasably lock the locking sleeve in the first position and the second position, respectively. 
     
     
       6. The support frame of  claim 4 , wherein the first section and the second section are connectable to one another at a free end of each. 
     
     
       7. The support frame of  claim 4 , wherein the floor member comprises a first end and a second end, the first generally U-shaped truss being pivotably connected to the floor member at or near the first end of the floor member and the second generally U-shaped truss being pivotably connected to the floor member at or near the second end of the floor member. 
     
     
       8. The support frame of  claim 4 , wherein the first generally U-shaped truss is in overlapping relationship with the second generally U-shaped truss when the first generally U-shaped truss and the second generally U-shaped truss are in their second postures.